The hydrogen molecule has several isotopes for the generation of nuclear energy. These isotopes are known as deuterium and tritium. Tritium is part of the high real power fuels at this energy. For this reason, its use has been very controversial since nuclear energy has been the focus of many debates since its inception. However, tritium also has uses other than nuclear power generation.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you what is tritium, what is its origin, its uses and main characteristics.
What is tritium
As we have said before, it is a natural isotope that is obtained from the hydrogen molecule. Its main characteristic is that it is highly radioactive. Therefore, it is used as part of the nuclear fuel mixture for power generation. The nucleus of tritium is made up of a proton and two neutrons. This makes nuclear fusion serve to generate energy. The problem with nuclear fusion is that it requires too high a temperature and pressure for current human technology to carry it out. This nuclear fusion occurs naturally and spontaneously in the sun.
Tritium is naturally formed as a result of cosmic rays that take place in the atmosphere. It was first discovered by Ernest Rutherford in 1934. The first studies were carried out with ordinary hydrogen molecules but the deuterium and tritium isotopes could not be isolated. Later, experiments were carried out until this isotope was separated, which is characterized by being highly radioactive. After years of studying tritium, it was discovered that its composition was useful for the dating of wine.
Isotope structure
If we go to the internal structure of tritium we can see that its mass is greater than that of hydrogen. The useful life of the isotope can be known thanks to the kinetic characteristics of its structure. After studies of the kinetic characteristics, it can be known that it has a useful life of up to approximately 12 years. Thanks to the internal structure, it can coexist without problems with ordinary hydrogen and water. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find tritium in water.
Among the properties and characteristics of tritium we find the following:
- As with other radioactive substances such as the isotope of a period, not easy to confine apart. It took a lot of studies and research to be able to separate the tritium from the hydrogen molecule.
- Its radiation is based on beta radiation. This is because it generates low energy particles.
- It has a great radioactive power since for many years it has been of great interest in the nuclear sector. Scientists hope to be able to use tritium in the future to carry out nuclear fusion.
- It has the ability to fuse more easily with other light substances. It is more difficult to re-fuse it with ordinary hydrogen. These are one of the reasons that nuclear fusion is more complicated.
- It is capable of producing large amounts of energy when it is formed from deuterium.
- Its molecular form y is T2 or 3H2, whose molecular weight is around 6 g.
- If we combine it with oxygen, it gives rise to a liquid oxide that is called super-heavy water.
- One of his abilities for which he is most famous is that of being able to react with oxygen to form another liquid oxide. This water is radioactive.
Uses of tritium
We are going to analyze what are the main uses of tritium.
Nuclear energy
It is the most important use that is given to it. And it is used as part of the nuclear fuel mixture that will drive energy production in these plants. This isotope is present in various industrial sectors for which a wide list of uses and applications is displayed. In the chemical area, nuclear reactions that occur from tritium can be obtained. In nuclear chemistry It is used to generate energy to manufacture weapons of mass destruction. These weapons can be nuclear bombs.
A less harmful use for tritium in analytical chemistry is for radioactive labeling. This process consists of adding tritium now a molecule to later record its monitoring and check that it takes us different chemical studies. When combined with deuterium, it leads to nuclear fusion processes.
Electrical energy and marine biology
Another use of tritium in the manufacture of atomic batteries with a large capacity to produce electrical energy. It is one of the forms of electrical energy storage.
In terms of marine biology, they are also very useful. This is thanks to the fact that it allows us to study the evolution of the oceans. As we have mentioned before, you can know the dating of the wine, so it also serves to be able to know physical changes that the earth has had in many aspects of interest. It can also be used as a transient tracer. Another use is for create devices that are used for lighting such as clocks, firearms and other instruments.
Main disadvantages of tritium
Among the main disadvantage that we find of this isotope is that it is used for the manufacture of nuclear weapons and bombs. These are elements of mass destruction that are used in wars and can lead to destruction in many areas. It must also be taken into account that it has a high level of radiation that can present a danger both to the environment and to people who are directly exposed. We know that radiation has long-term negative consequences on the body.
If used massively it can be an imminent danger. In the event that we can consume radioactive water produced from tritium, we see that reactions that compromise health can be observed. However, Tritium is known to last only 3-18 days in the body.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about tritium and its uses.